Print

Quick Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Chili Crisp and Sesame

quick spicy smashed cucumber salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, spicy, and crunchy smashed cucumber salad tossed with chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for quick, healthy meals and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Persian or English cucumbers
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp (e.g., Fly By Jing or Lao Gan Ma)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off the ends, then slice each cucumber into 2-3 inch sections. Slice these sections in half lengthwise, then place the flat side down on the cutting board.
  2. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently press down on each cucumber piece until it cracks and flattens slightly but doesn’t turn to mush. The texture should be uneven with some chunks still intact. This step takes about 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the smashed cucumbers to the cutting board and roughly chop into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them in a mixing bowl.
  4. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili crisp, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This takes 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss gently to combine. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or scallions on top before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If cucumbers release too much water, drain some before adding dressing to keep salad crisp. Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid sogginess. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Let salad rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free. Adjust chili crisp amount to control spiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, chili crisp salad, sesame cucumber salad, quick cucumber salad, healthy side dish, easy cucumber salad

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/quick-spicy-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-for-easy-healthy-meals/